Warrior’s Way® Mental Training / Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Warrior’s Way® Mental Training Courses
What is the difference between a camp and a clinic?
A camp is 6-8+ hours per day outside while a clinic is 4-6 hours inside. Camps allow more practice time and refinement of your understanding.
What is the difference between the 1-day and the 2-day sport camp?
Both clinics go into the processes for falling, movement, and decision making. The two-day course offers more time to apply the material on climbs outside and receive feedback from your trainer.
What is the course size; how many people can I expect to do this with?
Maximum ratio 1 instructor : 8 students
How much lecture vs. actual practice is in the clinic or camp?
About 25% lecture / 75% practice. We know what we experience; our goal is to give you plenty of experience.
Do you provide a course handout after the course that I can reference for practice on my own?
We do! We email a .pdf file to you after the clinic; during the clinic, we provide a reminder laminated “Espresso Card” for future reference.
I already climb 8a and am not afraid of falling; will I actually benefit from taking this course?
Yes. Mental training is more than falling, it’s how you commit to the moves, your internal voice, how excited (or not) you are before a climb, your reactions to not ‘sending. Climbing harder requires refinement of the subtle details in your motivation, awareness, and use of attention. No matter how hard someone climbs, they still pursue physical training; the same is needed for the mind. In fact, the harder the climb, the greater is the need for a stronger mindset.
I just started climbing recently; is this course appropriate for me?
It’s important to have a base of experience with climbing. Have you climbed 1x per week consistently for more than 6 months? Do you know the basics: tying your knot, belaying on toprope (or on lead), and climbing 5+ without falling or hanging on the rope? If so, then yes, it’s appropriate for you. You will get the most out of the clinic if you have some experience with lead climbing and lead belaying, but it’s not required.
What can I read or do to prepare for this training?
For reading, one or both of our books help, especially Espresso Lesson, which presents the material in the same way we’ll use it in the clinic. Additionally, we’ve worked with Climbing Magazine to publish a number of Tech Tips. You can find them here https://www.climbing.com/author/arno-ilgner/
Will I be forced to take falls? How do you work with one who is really fearful?
No, we don’t force you to fall. We work with you by finding the edge of your comfort zone and then creating a small fall that that YOU are willing to take. We nudge you outside your comfort zone; we don’t force you into your panic zone. We leave it up to you to decide when you’re ready to take a fall or take another step up. The falling practice goal isn’t to take a big whip; rather, the goal is to learn the process of how to practice falling, regardless of the level of fear that you start out with.
Can I attend solo or do I need to bring a partner with me?
You can take this solo! No need for a partner. If you do take it with a partner, we may separate you based on ability, experience, weight, or other reasons.
